Can anyone help with questions about wheat and milk allergy?

[saadia]

I have been tested and found to be allergic to wheat and to milk so I have drastically cut down (but not totally given up) on these. I still have a cup of tea with milk in the morning and a chocolate biscuit bar now and then. The symptoms now flare up up every three or four days as opposed to every other day, but are fine once I've taken an anti-histamine.

But I am still really confused. The doctor at my allergy clinic is not terribly helpful plus I never think of relevant questions at the time. So, my questions are:

Is a wheat allergy always the same as a gluten allergy?

Is a milk allergy always to do with lactose?

Can I still have chocolate?

Do I have to give up all milk-related and all wheat-related food completely?

Is there a problem with regularly taking anti-histamine for years?

Thank you.

Hiya, It's confusing isn't it - I'll answer you as clearly as I can.
Wheat allergy is not the same as gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein found in wheat but is also found in barley, spelt, kamut, rye and oats. I take it your doctor specifically tested for wheat (not gluten?) and so you'd be okay to eat the other gluten containing grains including those listed above, but do check.

A milk allergy is an allergy against milk protein which is called casein. Lactose is a milk sugar, if you are lactose intolerant it means you have a deficiency in lactase (the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar) - this would cause digestive symptoms such as wind, bloating and diarrhoea.

If you're casein (milk protein) intolerant which is what I suspect your doctor has tested you for, then you may only be allergic to cow's milk protein. If this is the case, then you may be able to tolerate goat milk protein or sheep milk protein in which case you could eat goat and milk cheese and yoghurt without having a reaction. Again this is something you need to clarify with your doctor. What specifically did he test for? Milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, if he tested for milk protein was it cow's protein only?

With regards to chocolate - I would only eat dark or dairy free chocolate to be sure.

Long term antihistamines are not ideal. If you can get rid of your symptoms through elimination diet then that would be your best option.

I eat wheat and cow's milk dairy free - have done for nearly 20 years and if feels fantastic. I've got a recipe page on my blog if you're interested in some ideas - mydaughterwontsleep.com/gfrecipes/
Good luck and best wishes

Thank you so much carolinementzer that is very helpful. I have another appointment in a couple of months so will write down all questions for then. And will definitely look up your recipes page as I have cut down on all my favourites (toast and hot chocolate) but seem to feel permanently hungry.

You're welcome. It does get easier. Just written another post on 10 easy ways to live without wheat - including a chocolate brownie recipe that uses chickpea flour. That might hit the spot - if you now wheat I mean. hope all goes well at your next appointment.
mydaughterwontsleep.com/2014/09/08/10-easy-ways-to-live-without-wheat/